In another sign of the Lakers' storied success, they're nearly complete strangers to the NBA draft lottery. Even with L.A. losing in embarrassing fashion this postseason, falling in a four-game sweep to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals

On the move: Lakers guard Sedale Threatt brings the ball upcourt during a game against Vancouver on April 15, 1996. Threatt was one of the most productive Lakers in that transition period between Magic Johnson’s first retirement and the arrival...